Ok Didnt Expect An Update This Fast

[Laurel86]

Ok so the doctors office just called me. Apparently, the insurance cannot approve me because i have to do a 6 month supervised diet. So technically it would be at least another 4 months. Why the hell is it that when I called the insurance company in JANUARY and asked them what needed to be done for approval they couldnt explain this?! what the hell??? well whatever, i told the office to put my folder on the back burner. I am going to do weight watchers and still see a nutrionist once a month so by october, if i still want the band, ill already have the six months covered. but whatever...im so BS right now.

[Neal R.]

Hi Laurel, sorry to hear that. I guess that answers your question from the other thread. Make sure as you do WW or whatever diet you decide on, that you make monthly visits to your Dr. That way in 6 months, if you do want the band, you can have proof of your Dr supervised 6 month diet.

[renitinker]

Laurel- Good luck with that. My insurance requires that same thing, but it says that the supervised weight loss can not be with programs like Weigh Watchers, Jenny Craig, etc. Check your policy and see. Most insurance companies have websites that you can look up there policies. I would diffently stay with the nutrionist. I'm going to use my PCP and my therapist. I've been seeing them both every month for the last 8 months.

Also, Don't be afraid to appeal it.

Keep us up to date. :)

[Laurel86]

Yea...it doesnt matter that ill be on ww...as long as i see the nutriontist every month for the next 4 months ill be good. but i dont even know if im still going to do it.

[Will]

What are you gonna do?

[PhotoNut]

Personally, I think it's an answer to your doubts. You were considering Weight Watchers with your mom anyway, so really this is the perfect opportunity to see how that works out for you. Now you can relax about your decision, apply yourself to the diet, keep in touch with the nutritionist and then you'll have the opportunity to see how you feel after six months.

Sounds like an answer to pray to me. :)

[A1ikou]

I agree with P'nut, look at this from the point of view of being a way to test your theories without having to lose your place in the queue so to speak. By october you'll know if you can lose the weight without the band by seeing how well you've done with WW. At least by then if you decide to go ahead you'll be much more certain its thr right thing for you to do.

[monica mcclelland]

Hey - sorry to hear you are getting run around like that. I have been working on getting banded since October 2006 - so I know how you feel. It can be such a bummer jumping through all of the insurance hoops. Keep your chin up, it will happen for you, and then it will have all been worth it. I am scheduled for surgery 6/18/07 - and now all that time seems to have gone by really fast. Good luck - Monica :)

[Jacqie]

Hi Laurel~
I had the same issue with my insurance - I called in July and asked what I need to do and they said just a letter from the doctor and preop testing done. Well we did that and submitted it all in January and they came back with 6 months of diet and exercise and I went crazy and I harped and harped on them day in and day out that why did you not tell me that in July then tehy want me to see the nut. 3 times a month and a pcp once a month they don't cover the nut. and I had seen mine 1 a month for 3 months and they wouldn't count that because it wasn't 3 times a month. I called and stated my case to baout 3 different people and left voice mails every other day until someone would talk to me finally I was approved in May had surgery in June. I tell everyone to asked for in writing what the requirements are for adjustable gastric banding approval and to explain in writing what each requirement means. It was worth the hoops for me because I know the band is my best choice for me. I wish you the best on WW my friend does it and has done well on it she has lost 80 pounds and is able to maintain the lose now so what do you lose by trying what is 6 months, by then like P'nut says you will be able to determine which way is best for you - good luck and Happy losing!!

[IndioGirl55]

Well gang Laurel told me that she thinks the band is the easy way out and that It's my fault I am fat and that she won't be like me, that ww will work for her and she won't gain the weight back - "Well when I was 20 I weight 117 lbs and thought i knew it all too"... I did wish her the best on her ww journey

[PhotoNut]

Wow, Indigo. I'm very sorry to hear that Laurel took that attitude toward you. Perhaps she was disappointed that she wasn't going to be able to get the band and is trying to convince herself that she didn't really want it afterall. Whatever her motivation was, I'm sure that was disappointing to hear and it probably hurt your feelings. That's a shame.

Now, I know that this topic could lead to some heated discussion so I'll ask everyone right now to please keep things civil and realize we are dealing with a young girl who is battling weight issues just like we are. Sometimes we say things not thinking about how it makes others feel. Especially when we are struggling with our own disappointments and fears.

I wish Laurel the best in her journey to better health, and I sincerely hope that she is able to do what so many have struggled to do on their own. Those of us who are banded know very well that this is NOT the easy way out and, therefore, it's pointless to argue about it.

Let's keep focused on the positive side of life, and continue being the amazing losers we are!

[PhotoNut]

Woops, dang it! I did it again.. I called you Indigo! LOL!

I swear, I'm going to have to change your name. :wink2: